Director of Early Childhood Programs - Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools

Job Description

Job Description

The Archdiocese is seeking a Director of Early Childhood Programs. The Director of Early Childhood Programs will report to the Assistant Superintendent for Catholic Identity and Academic Excellence to ensure strategic leadership, oversight, and support for early learning centers, school-based preschool programs, and after/afterschool programs throughout the Archdiocese of Washington. This position is responsible for ensuring compliance with state licensing regulations and archdiocesan policies, advancing program quality and continuous improvement initiatives, and supporting the professional growth of early childhood leaders and educators. Through leadership, collaboration, and strategic planning, this position ensures that early childhood programs provide high-quality, mission-centered learning environments that support the academic, social-emotional, and spiritual development of young children.

Duties and Responsibilities

Licensing, Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Monitor all early learning centers, school-based preschool programs, and after/afterschool programs to ensure compliance with church-exempt licensing requirements in the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.
• Provide technical assistance and support to school principals, center directors, and after/after school program directors throughout the licensure process and compliance inspections.
• Track, monitor, and report issues related to non-compliance with early childhood licensure, certification, and credentialing requirements; develop and implement corrective action plans to support programs in regaining compliance.
• Provide technical support to directors, preschool teachers, and paraprofessionals to ensure appropriate certification and credentialing in accordance with archdiocesan policies and state requirements.

Program Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Provide supervision and support to seven standalone Early Learning Centers, partnering with pastors to ensure effective leadership, program quality, and compliance with state, district, and archdiocesan policies.
• Support the evaluation and professional growth of local center directors to ensure effective program management and continuous improvement.
• Provide summaries, analyses, and reports to executive leadership regarding the status, performance, and compliance of early childhood programs across the Archdiocese.

Professional Development & Capacity Building

• Convene directors and program leaders for ongoing training related to archdiocesan policies, procedures, expectations, and best practices in early childhood education.
• Identify, coordinate, and promote affordable, credit-bearing professional development opportunities for early childhood educators and paraprofessionals.
• Develop, facilitate, and present professional development workshops focused on early childhood education, leadership, and program quality.

Quality Improvement & Accreditation Support

• Serve as the archdiocesan subject matter expert on Maryland EXCELS Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS).
• Guide schools and centers through Maryland EXCELS participation, application processes, quality improvement planning, and advancement through rating levels.
• Support continuous program improvement initiatives that strengthen educational quality and operational effectiveness.

Family & Student Support Services

• Collaborate with the Director for Special Education to promote the early identification of children with developmental delays and special education needs in school- and center-based preschool programs.
• Partner with school leaders, center directors, and families to access state and federal funding opportunities, including the Maryland Prekindergarten Expansion Grant and early childhood subsidy programs, to increase access and enrollment.

Government Relations, Advocacy & Strategic Partnerships

• Serve as an advisor and content specialist to the Director of Government Programs and Grants on early childhood policy, advocacy, and legislative initiatives.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Maryland Catholic Conference, Maryland State Department of Education, Maryland Office of Child Care, the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education, and federal agencies on issues impacting early childhood education.
• Monitor emerging trends, policies, and regulations affecting early childhood education and provide guidance to leadership and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Consultation & Technical Assistance

• Provide consultation, coaching, and technical assistance to principals, directors, teachers, pastors, and program staff on matters related to early childhood education, compliance, program quality, and operational effectiveness.
• Foster collaboration and communication among schools, centers, families, and external agencies to support positive outcomes for children and programs.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Committed to the knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church.
• Strong faith-based educational experience.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Willing to work as a team member.
• Strong ability to work under time constraints and meet deadlines.
• Open to extensive local travel.

Education and Experience

• A Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• At least five years of successful experience as an early care-licensing specialist or as a director of a licensed early childhood center or preschool.
• Background in preschool program leadership.
• Strong knowledge of state and federal legislation regarding early childhood education in church-exempt settings.

The salary range for this role is $80,000 to $95,000 with excellent benefits